NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 4

#2 Miami Dolphins (3-0) at New England Patriots (1-2)

Miami Dolphins are undefeated, and Patriots are under 500. There is a statement no one predicted before the start of the season. Dolphins are one of the only three teams that remain undefeated this season. While Dolphins are getting some unprecedented success, Patriots are struggling to score. This game will set the tone for the AFC East rest of the season.

Patriots September troubles, Dolphins' Dreams

Patriots struggles in September continues. These kind of slow starts are common for the Patriots, remember 2014 loss against Kansas City. But, this start seems different. Even, their lone win this season against Houston was ugly. They came so close to blowing that one up too. But, the loss against Lions is bad. Patriots almost had no answer to former Bellichick's pupil Matt Patricia, who himself had a very rough start to the season.

The Patriots roster looks incomplete. They are not the same time like in 2014 when they bounced back to win the Superbowl. There are glaring holes in all but Quarterback and Tight End positions. Also, there are these off the field distractions about Brady-Belichick tension isn't helping.

While the Patriots get back Julian Edelman from the suspension next week and they traded for Josh Gordon from Browns, there is some hope that the offence could get back on track. But, the defence is still a mess. They let Blake Bortles go berserk who couldn't move the ball against the Tennessee Titans. Matthew Stafford, who threw for four picks in the season opener against the Jets, picked apart the Patriots defence by finding the receivers consistently.

The defence will be facing another tough task this week against the underrated Dolphins offence led by, Comeback player of the year candidate Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill who missed all of last season due to a knee injury came back and proved that he is still the guy in Miami. He ranked fourth in the passer rating and helped Miami win with an underwhelming receiving corps.

If Tannehill could keep up his performance, this could be an easy win and could also have an early 2-0 advantage in the AFC East division. The Win will most certainly depend on the defence more than offence, who were decent themselves. If they could hold out Rob Gronkowski as he was the last two weeks, with Edelman still out the Patriots could struggle to distribute the ball well.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start:

Kenny Stills, Dolphins WR: Stills found his true calling this year as the WR1, thanks to Landry not being here, he is being targeted more than in the past.

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots TE: Although he has been quite the past couple of seasons, there never was a three-game losing streak in Patriots history since 2002. Gronk remains Brady's top choice. Look for more targets coming his way.

Under the Radar:

Kenyan Drake, Dolphins RB: Drake had a slow start and just had 5 attempts for 3 yards against the struggling Oakland Raiders. But, this game could be the launch pad for the back who was expected to be one of the top backs in the league.

Caution:

Dolphins Defense: Tom Brady will on fire after back to back losses, Angry Brady is not someone to be messed with.

Prediction:

If this was a week 1 matchup, I probably wouldn't have this in Top 3. But the 2018 season off to an unusual start and this matchup could set the course for AFC East and also AFC in general. I think Patriots will bounce back with Angry Brady and Gronk having a big game at Home.

Patriots 27 Dolphins 20